Liner Note Legends #7: Frank Simms

FRANK SIMMS has been singing for as long as he can remember. From his early years singing harmonies with his family to his years with recording Nile Rodgers and touring the world with David Bowie, to voicing the iconic Kool-Aid Man, he has built a career as one of the most sought-after and versatile backup singers and voiceover artists in recorded history. Frank had an early brush with fame while fronting the Simms Brothers Band with his brother George, releasing two full-lengths on Elektra Records in the late '70s and touring with artists such as Peter Frampton, but they did not have breakout success and they soon found themselves without a record deal. Frank and George's big break came when they were discovered by record producer and Chic bandleader Nile Rodgers. They became the studio backup singers for some of Nile's biggest production hits, including David Bowie's "Let's Dance" and Madonna's "Like a Virgin". Frank and George went on to travel with Bowie on his international "Serious Moonlight" tour in support of the record. When given the offer of joining Billy Joel on tour for two full years following his work with Bowie, Frank decided that he wanted a break from life on the road and when back in New York began to develop his reputation as a jingle singer. The jingles led to voiceover work, and Frank soon found himself as the recognizable voice to many commercials and iconic characters - most notably the Kool-Aid Man, which he voiced for many years. Frank has also contributed to Saturday Night Live for years, and can be heard as the singer on many of their classic parody commercials and animated segments, including "Saturday TV Funhouse" and "A.M. Ale". He still contributes to the show today. Special thanks to Bar LunÀtico in Brooklyn. [email protected]